A Lincoln trade unionist has organised another protest in the city against the government’s proposed Trade Union Bill.

The Lincoln & District TUC staged a small protest on September 14 against the bill armed with banners stating “Don’t rip up my rights” and “Workers in Lincolnshire demand the fruits of our labour.”

The bill proposes higher thresholds for ballots and restrictions on picketing.

Reforms were described as “modernising” by employment minister and MP for Grantham, Nick Boles.

Nick Parker, Secretary of Lincoln & District TUC

However, Nick Parker, Secretary of Lincoln & District TUC, has said that the bill is an attack on the rights of ordinary workers, and has encouraged campaigners to protest in front of the war memorial on Lincoln High Street from 12.30pm on November 2.

He said: “On a day when news broke that at least 70,000 workers in the county are paid less than the living wage, we say that workers in Lincolnshire need trade unions more than ever.

“These attacks on the rights of ordinary people to organise in their workplace will do nothing to help us get decent pay and conditions. Incidents of bullying, harassment and discrimination will rise if workers are scared to do anything to stand up for themselves.

The campaigners gathered outside the war memorial on High Street from midday on September 14. Photo: The Lincolnite

“Workers do not take strike action lightly. However, the right to withdraw one’s labour is the last line of defence when every other approach has been unsuccessful.

“We encourage everyone who values trade unions to join us in proudly standing up for our movement against these vicious attacks.”